Sanusi’s suit for hearing March 21

The hearing of the motion on notice filed by the suspended Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Lamido Sanusi, before a Federal High Court, Lagos, has been fixed for March 21.

Sanusi had through his lawyer, Prof. Yemi Osibajo (SAN), approached the Justice Ibrahim Buba presided court, seeking an enforcement of his fundamental rights.

At his arrival in Lagos on the day he was suspended, the CBN chief had prayed the court for an order restraining the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), police and officers of the State Security Service (SSS) from arresting, detaining or otherwise harassing him.

Justice Buba then issued an injunction stopping the law enforcement agencies from arresting or harassing Sanusi pending the determination of the suit.

At the resumed trial on Friday, counsels to the respondents urged the court for an adjournment to enable them file their processes.

Counsel to the AGF, Dr. Oscar Nliam, holding the brief for Mike Ozekhome (SAN), informed the court that his office had just been briefed on the matter.

He told the court that they were yet to receive all the processes filed by the applicant and therefore prayed the court for a short adjournment to enable them collate all processes.

Chukwu Agwu, who represented the Inspector General of Police, informed the court that he was only on Wednesday night, by his boss from the force headquarters that the suit would come up.

He said the IGP was yet to receive the processes, and also, prayed the court for an adjournment to enable him look at the processes when they arrive.

Similarly, lawyer to SSS, Ahmed Musa, aligned himself with the submissions of his colleagues, adding that an adjournment will be to their favour especially as parties are still within time of filing.

In his reply, Sanusi’s lawyer, Kola Awodehin (SAN), noted that since the suit borders on Fundamental Rights Enforcement, it ought to be dealt with expeditiously.

After listening to the parties, Justice Buba fixed March 21 for hearing.